Haiku: Sister Sunflowers

The big sunflowers are in the homestretch, and looking a bit peaked. Soon, there will be mature seeds in those heads – seeds capable of becoming a whole new field of sunflowers. Though I admittedly anthropomorphized in verse, viewing those heavy heads created a definite feel – perhaps even an understanding – that they knew their time was ending soon, but willingly sacrificed themselves to live on in their seeds. I’m sad, however, to see their cheery beauty fade.

Thank you, volunteer sunflowers, for gracing our pasture with your shining faces. You will live on.

Interested in learning more about the stages of sunflower development? Check out this brochure from NDSU Extension.